Pinghe Kiln Porcelain

Pinghe Kiln Porcelain

Pinghe Kiln Porcelain is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Produced in Pinghe, southern Fujian. Kiln firing began in the late Ming Dynasty.

　　The kiln mainly produced blue-and-white and polychrome porcelain, as well as some underglaze color-decorated and plain-body stamped porcelain.[1]

　　Mr. Ouyang Xijun, a renowned expert in ancient ceramics from Fujian Province, recently conducted an in-depth investigation of the Dongkou Kiln in Pinghe, Zhangzhou, yielding fruitful results. He discovered important samples of *susancai* (tri-colored ware) that have drawn attention from scholars both domestically and abroad, making a significant contribution to further research on this important academic subject. To share these findings with readers, our newspaper specially publishes images of the important samples discovered by Mr. Ouyang Xijun along with his investigation records.

　　Since 2002, I have conducted on-site investigations of ancient kiln sites from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Pinghe County dozens of times. Villagers near the kiln sites have guided me many times and helped collect samples, forging deep friendships. Therefore, they would call me by phone if there were any major ground disturbances (such as tree planting, road construction, or flash floods). Here, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to them once again.

　　Zhangzhou Kiln was a major production center for trade ceramics during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, with Pinghe Kiln as an important component. It served as a significant production base for trade ceramics along China’s southeastern coast during the Ming and Qing periods. Before the discovery of Pinghe Kiln, overseas scholars referred to the blue-and-white porcelain produced by Zhangzhou Kiln as “Swatow ware” (SWATOW), while in Japan it was called “gosu.” The polychrome porcelain was known as “gosu aka-e,” all categorized under “South China Kiln Series” or listed as of unknown origin. The *susancai* was referred to as “South China tri-colored ware,” or in Japan, as “Kochi ceramics.” Through the efforts of archaeological departments, some mysteries have been unraveled. However, certain controversies and unresolved questions remain, requiring joint efforts from ancient ceramic researchers and cultural relics archaeology departments.

　　Currently, dozens of Ming and Qing Dynasty kiln sites have been discovered within Pinghe County, along with over a hundred accumulation spots, some of which were first investigated by the author. Kiln sites scientifically excavated by the Fujian Provincial Museum include: the Wan Yao Shan Kiln in Hua Zai Lou Village, Nansheng Town; the Tiankeng Kiln in Fahuavillage, Nansheng Town; the Da Long Kiln and Er Long Kiln in Xintang Village, Wuzhai Township; and the Dongkou Kiln in Zhaohe Village, Wuzhai Township (including Yao Shan Kiln and Beigou Kiln). Details regarding ceramic varieties and firing techniques have been thoroughly elucidated.

　　Pinghe Kiln Porcelain

　　Pinghe County Specialty Association

　　13215417

　　Porcelain